3 reasons the New Orleans Saints will dominate the Carolina Panthers

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(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Practice Reps

This may seem overlooked, but the New Orleans Saints defense, on a weekly basis, see Christian McCaffrey in practice. Although it’s in the body of Alvin Kamara, the two virtually play the same style of game with McCaffrey’s usage rate just far higher.

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This defense in the middle with Davis and A.J. Klein should be used to the versatility that a back like McCaffrey brings. Kiko Alonso, if he also gets the start, should be quick enough to keep CMC in front.

Unlike with other linebackers, having those extra reps and understanding the movements of the MVP hopefully should help them limit the Panthers’ only effective offensive player. McCaffrey has been on a tear, and if they somehow force him out of rhythm, the entire offense will fall.

The 5-foot-11 stud running back in his third season in the league has put up a league-high 1,059 rushing yards. That 105.9 yards per game average are also the best in the NFL. Let’s not even mention his league-high 11 rushing touchdowns.

All that doesn’t even fully describe how dominant he’s been. He’s also at 59 receptions on the season, tied for 11th-most. Combine everything together, and you have one of the more unstoppable players when he gets going downhill.

But, by practicing with Kamara, the Saints should have a heads up on how to limit CMC.